When you’re eating french fries and sipping on your soda during lunch, you’re not thinking of cancer. You may be shocked to find out, however, that consuming these foods may increase your risk of cancer. Studies reveal that a chemical known as acrylamide forms in potatoes during the process of frying, and it’s been linked to cancer. Soda increases your chances of getting pancreatic cancer. Which items in your diet are cancer causing foods?

French Fries

Acrylamide forms when using a high temperature cooking process such as baking or frying. French fries are prone to contain this chemical since they are usually fried at high temperatures. Recent research shows that high levels of acrylamide a can cause cancer in animals, so they’re most likely to be a cancer causing food for humans as well. Boiling or steaming food does not cause acrylamide to form, and they’re healthier ways of preparing food as well. When eating at restaurants, swap french fries for steamed vegetables.

Processed Meats

The meat section in the supermarket is usually appealing. There are containers of glossy, luscious looking bacon, sausage, and hot dogs. Beauty doesn’t come cheap though, as these foods have been injected with preservatives to give them their appeal. The chemicals used in preserving these meats are sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate, both of which are a catalyst of cancer causing foods. In order to avoid eating processed meats, swap them with meats that are nitrate free. Or, you can try making your own sausage at home as a fun family activity.

Soda

Like with processed meats, soda is also loaded with chemicals. Not only that, but soda is also high in refined sugar and artificial coloring, which are carcinogens in food as well. According to a study in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal, people who had two or more soft drinks a week increased their chances of pancreatic cancer by 87%! Swap your soda with water for the healthiest option. If you are craving something sweet, considering making yourself fresh tea and sweetening it with honey.

Refined White Flour

Pasta and white bread are made from refined white flour, which is basically flour that has been stripped of its nutrients during the manufacturing process. A recent study published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Mile Markers, and Prevention journal has linked high levels of carbohydrate consumption with cancer. The results of the study revealed that women who got 57% or more of their total energy intake from carbohydrates showed a 220% higher risk of breast cancer than women with more balanced diets. To reduce your intake of refined white flours, swap your white pasta and bread for whole-grain, and make sure 2/3 of your plate is composed of fruits and vegetables.

Canned Tomatoes

Although fresh tomatoes are known to be cancer fighting foods, and can help achieve youthful skin, the canned variety is actually yet another cancer causing food. Many manufacturers use bis-phenol-A to line the cans. Bis-phenol-A acts as an estrogen which disrupts the hormones in the body. Since tomatoes are acidic, they cause the BPA to leak into the can. University of Missouri endocrinologist Frederick vom Saal believes that you can get 50 mcg of BPA from one can of tomatoes, which is considered high exposure. Swap canned tomatoes for the fresh variety. If fresh tomatoes are not available, buy tomatoes that come in glass containers.

Other Sources: Natural News